drooling on the pillow

When the great Tao is forgotten,
goodness and piety appear.
When the body's intelligence declines,
cleverness and knowledge step forth.
When there is no peace in the family,
filial piety begins.
When the country falls into chaos,
patriotism is born.
-- Stephen Mitchell, Chapter 18, Tao Te Ching

"It's kind of like reverse evolution," said Jesus.

"Devolution," said Lao Tzu.

"Devil-oution," said Jesus.

"Whatever," said Lao Tzu.

Jesus continued, "First you are in love. You have that glow, that oceanic feeling -- the entire cosmos is singing with joy and your love knows no bounds."

"Then you live together," said Lao Tzu.

"You notice she drools on the pillow."

"She notices you don't leave the seat down."

"The Great Tao of oceanic love is forgotten."

"Cleverness and knowledge step forth."

"You become very patriotic and matriotic about it all."

"The Great Fish is now in a little pond."

"What's the answer?" I asked, "What's the way out?"

Jesus and Lao Tzu looked at each other. They grinned.

"Tango!" they said, and spiraled into the heavens.